AI DamageBMW I8: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the BMW I8 across 5 model years: 4 owner complaints and 37 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 75% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 25% of all complaints
- 3 Tires 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (75% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 39.
- Engine: 1 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 7.
- Tires: 1 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.5 L · plug-in hybrid · turbo · 3 cyl 2014–2020
- automatic, 6-speed 2014–2020
Drive: AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 39 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 26 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Electronic stability control | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Parking brake | 0 | 0 | 3 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
2016 bmw i8 eme high voltage battery temp sensors (ntc sensors) warning lights appeared while driving loss power and my high voltage battery shut down at the red light but was able to restart it again ad make it home
High voltage battery assembly cell module temperature sensors Over time one or more of the high voltage cell modules internal sensors fail its a saftey issue A shut down of the high voltage electrical power would result in loss of propulsion increasing the risk of a crash vechicle will not restart
The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer twice however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired and would be going back to the dealer for the fourth time.
Pirelli or discount tire is not taking this safety concern seriously and is only stalling. I have called 6-7 times and they keep telling me to contact the discount tire, and discount tire says I need to call pirelli for manufacture defects.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote…
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has…
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has…
- The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assemblys Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair…
- the High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific)…
- The High-Voltage (HV) Battery AssemblysCell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific)…
- At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e
- For the eligible vehicles and for the issue described below, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is…
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few…
- At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e
- Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration
- TEC26 Turbo Charger Return
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.